Pro-Russia candidate Călin Georgescu has taken the lead in the first round of Romania’s presidential elections, surpassing pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu after more than 98% of votes were counted.

According to preliminary results, with 98.66% of votes tallied, Georgescu secured 22.59%, while Ciolacu received 19.55%.

The second round of elections is scheduled for December 8, according to foreign media reports.